By Terence Dooley
After an injury scare, needless rumor mongering, and a long wait, the Andreas Kotelnik versus Amir Khan match is nearly upon us, and WBA light-welterweight title holder Kotelnik has been working behind closed doors to find a way to overcome the youngster from Bolton.
Kotelnik told Sky Sports News that he is getting back into the sparring groove; he also has a plan to defuse Khan's speed, but was tight-lipped over the particulars.
"I don't want to say too much," said the champion. "I just want to say, 'Hey, I'll see you in the ring'. We don't want to show our tactics or training on the pads or sparring. I won my title in Cardiff against Gavin Rees - that was my target, and now I have to defend my title over there. I am the world champion, this is my job, I have been doing it for 24 years and I have no doubt I will win."
Kotelnik is a frequent visitor to UK shores, and was impressive when hammering Rees into defeat to pick up the WBA title. The Ukrainian is not the fastest fighter, but he is technically proficient, and knows that Khan can be knocked out.
The template for defeating Khan has been laid bare by the likes of Bredis Prescott, Michael Gomez, and Willie Limond, if you hit Amir on the chin he will go to the canvas. However, Khan's defence should be improved under trainer Freddie Roach, making Kotelnik's task that little bit harder.
The fight takes place at the MEN on the 18th of July.
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